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Futurebuild connects ambition and action at 2026 event
Futurebuild 2026 officially opens registrations this week, coinciding with the COP30 climate summit, recognising the critical role buildings play in closing the gap between ambition and action.
The National Retrofit Conference will continue to be a prominent draw
As world leaders tackle issues including adaptation, cities, waste, the circular economy, climate readiness and resilience during the first two days of the conference, Futurebuild reveals a reimagined format for the 2026 event (3-5 March 2026 at Excel London) that will help the construction industry to connect the dots between global, cross-sector priorities and what’s being achieved on the ground.
“Each year, Futurebuild explores the big themes shaping our future. In 2026, we’re calling time on business as usual,” says Martin Hurn, event director. “Our industry doesn’t just need new ideas. It needs to build resilience, prioritise reuse and embrace regenerative design. These ‘three Rs’ will define the conversations at Futurebuild and connect directly to the demands of COP30: delivery, circularity and long-term systems change.”
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Under the theme of ‘Connect’ Futurebuild 2026 will bring together the thinkers and technologies transforming how the industry designs, builds and operates. A revised floorplan will amplify Futurebuild’s role as a platform for connection and collaboration, featuring new networking spaces and targeted initiatives including:
A Zero Waste area developed in partnership with ACAN, Architects Declare, The Chartered Institute of Wastes Management (ICWM) and the Circular Economy Taskforce with keynotes from an authority on circularity and a participant at COPs past, Duncan Baker-Brown.
The Local Authority Collaboration Hub, housed within the National Retrofit Conference, will provide a dedicated space for public sector leaders to accelerate home decarbonisation, address damp and mould and share best practice on housing-led health outcomes.
A revitalised Meet the Buyer programme, hosted by Innovate UK, to facilitate direct engagement between innovators and procurement leads across multiple sectors.
The Knowledge Programme
Fresh thinking is also shaping The Knowledge Programme. While the two main stages in the Futurebuild Arena and National Retrofit Conference will continue to be a prominent draw, the six seminar stages (buildings, FutureX, energy, materials, placemaking, and now zero waste) are about to see a shake-up.
Several industry bodies, including UKGBC, The Sustainable Development Foundation and the Association of Sustainable Building Products (ASBP) have been invited to execute a series of ‘stage takeovers’ to elevate the discussion, with a particular emphasis on dissecting the role of innovation.
The Futurebuild Arena features again at the 2026 event
To this end, the FutureX stage - home of Futurebuild’s innovation content - will return for 2026 taking on a sharper digital focus. Dedicated sessions will cover AI, circular tools and data-led design as digital solutions become increasingly essential for monitoring performance, reducing waste and improving project outcomes.
The Innovation Trail, a curated path showcasing products and systems with measurable sustainability impact, will be back to spotlight the biggest breakthroughs, featuring brands including Dimplex, Anzen Walls, The Concrete Centre, 7 Steel UK, Energystore, Qvantum and ZapCarbon.
‘A platform for delivery’
“As ever, innovation will be central to the discussion but we’ll be flipping the script to explore how we can better use existing knowledge and the need for social transformation, rather than solely exploring novel technical solutions,” adds Hurn.
“Futurebuild is where mission meets market. We’re not just a conference or a showcase. We’re a platform for delivery. We connect people, ideas and solutions in ways that accelerate the shift to a Net Zero, resilient and regenerative future.”
Construction intelligence analyst, Barbour ABI, is the registration partner for Futurebuild 2026 (3-5 March 2026 at Excel, London) and visitors can access all areas for free.
The January/February 2026 issue of Construction Management magazine is now available to read in digital format.
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